Acute Lumbar Paraspinal Compartment Syndrome after Weightlifting: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report 2 cases of acute lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome due to weightlifting. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Acute lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome is very rare, but it causes muscle necrosis and acute renal failure. Therefore, it should be treated immediately. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 31-year-old male patient and a 30-year-old male patient visited the emergency room due to severe back pain. The left paraspinal compartment pressure of the 31-year-old patient was measured as 35 mm Hg using the Whitesides technique. The paraspinal compartment pressure of the 30-year-old patient was measured as 22 mm Hg on the left side and 30 mm Hg on the right side. We diagnosed acute lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome and performed a fasciotomy. This study received Institutional Review Board approval (ID: SC18ZESE0032). RESULTS: Lab findings improved after fasciotomy. The operative wounds healed after fasciocutaneous flap placement. CONCLUSIONS: Acute lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome is very rare, but should be considered in patients with severe back pain.